His fellow player, Mike Stephenson described Lowe as "Phil had a magnificent physique. He had a high leg movement and the ability to stride out of a tackle. A giant of a man and a brilliant exponent of a forward running out wide in the centre areas".[6]

Whilst playing for Hull Kingston Rovers, Lowe helped Great Britain to victory in the 1972 World Cup Final. His 26 tries in the 1972/73 season, was a club record scoring feat by a Hull Kingston Rovers forward, beating William Sandham's 25-tries scored in the 1912–13 season.[7] He was Hull Kingston Rovers's 'Player of the Season' in both 1968/69 and 1972/73.[8]

He retired from playing in 1983, and began a spell coaching at York, assisting them to both promotion and a place in the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup.[6] Lowe also undertook the role as a director of Hull Kingston Rovers. In 1995, he was the manager of England's Rugby League World Cup team.[1]